Conveyor Lubricant Emulsion for Low-Water Glass and Metal Lines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor lubricants require large amounts of water, leading to wet environments, microbial growth, dilution errors, and inefficiencies in handling different container types, and are ineffective on glass and metal surfaces when used dry.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor lubricant composition comprising a lipophilic compound, an emulsifier, and/or an anionic surfactant, applied undiluted through a non-energized nozzle, providing effective lubrication even after contact with water or aqueous compositions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If dilute aqueous lubricant solutions are used, then high-speed operation is enabled and container marring is limited, but large amounts of water must be disposed of or recycled, creating a wet environment and requiring frequent drum switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of the lubricant by using a more concentrated formulation (less than 50% water) instead of traditional dilute aqueous solutions. This concentrated lubricant is applied undiluted, reducing water consumption while maintaining effective lubrication for high-speed conveyor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a lubricant composition that provides effective lubrication without requiring continuous application or frequent drum switching. The formulation maintains lubrication effectiveness throughout its service life on the conveyor, eliminating the need for frequent replacement of lubricant drums.
2Speed
If dilute aqueous lubricant solutions are used continuously, then high-speed operation is maintained, but more lubricant is used than necessary and lubricant concentrate drums have to be switched out more often
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a lubricant composition that provides effective lubrication without requiring continuous application or frequent drum switching. The formulation maintains lubrication effectiveness throughout its service life on the conveyor, eliminating the need for frequent replacement of lubricant drums.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricant composition is designed to maintain continuous effective lubrication without interruption. The formulation provides durable lubrication that persists through continuous conveyor operation, eliminating the need to stop or switch lubricants during operation.
3Reliability
If traditional silicone lubricants are used, then effective lubrication is achieved on plastics, but lubrication on glass or metal surfaces is less effective, requiring multiple lubricant types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a lubricant composition that performs multiple functions across different container types. The formulation provides effective lubrication on glass, metal, and plastic surfaces simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate lubricant types for different materials. This universal lubricant handles diverse container types on the conveyor line with a single formulation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The lubricant composition maintains low coefficient of friction and effective lubrication on conveyors, reducing waste and cleanup, and is compatible with various container materials, including glass and metal, without the need for continuous application.
Implementation Method 1
conveyor lubricant compositions including an emulsion of a lipophilic compound and also including an emulsifier and/or an anionic surfactant
Implementation Method 2
conveyor lubricant compositions including an emulsion of a lipophilic compound and also including an emulsifier and/or an anionic surfactant
Implementation Method 3
The lubricant composition effectively lubricates conveyors conveying glass and metal containers, reducing water consumption, minimizing microbial growth, and maintaining low friction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to conveyor lubricant compositions including an emulsion of a lipophilic compound and also including an emulsifier and/or an anionic surfactant. The present invention also relates to methods employing such lubricant compositions. In an embodiment, the method includes applying the present lubricant composition to a conveyor with a non-energized nozzle.